The Controversial Classic Returns: Nike Air Bakin OG “Varsity Red” Set for Fall 2026
What to know
ClosetKept AI- Nike Air Bakin OG 'Varsity Red' returns Fall 2026 after originally releasing in 1997.
- Designed by Eric Avar; features wave-like upper with flame-like Varsity Red overlays on black mesh.
- Visible Max Air heel unit; Metallic Silver ankle Swoosh; bright yellow round laces.
- 1997 original featured controversial 'Allah'-resembling heel logo; subsequent releases use standard 'Nike Air' branding.
- Worn by Tim Hardaway (Miami Heat) and Dennis Rodman; price not yet confirmed.
If you miss the golden era of 90s basketball sneakers, get ready to fire up your rotation. One of the most distinct, aggressive, and controversial silhouettes from the Nike vault is officially making a comeback. The Nike Air Bakin OG in the iconic “Varsity Red” colorway is set to return in Fall 2026.
Originally made famous by Tim Hardaway during his crossover-heavy days with the Miami Heat (and briefly worn by Dennis Rodman), the Air Bakin is a cult classic that screams 90s attitude. After initial reports pointed to a Spring release, updated sources now confirm we can expect this heat to drop later in the year.
The 2026 iteration stays true to the Eric Avar-designed original that first hit shelves in 1997. The shoe is defined by its wave-like upper, featuring Varsity Red overlays that look like rising flames, sitting atop a breathable black mesh base.
ColorwayVarsity Red / Black / Metallic Silver / Orange BlazeLacesSignature bright yellow round laces for high-contrast popCushioningVisible Max Air heel unit with encapsulated forefoot AirBrandingMetallic Silver ankle Swoosh; Mini Yellow Swoosh on the midsoleUpper MaterialsSynthetic overlays with breathable mesh underlaysThe “Allah” Logo Controversy: A Piece of Sneaker History
You can’t talk about the Air Bakin without mentioning why it’s one of the most controversial sneakers in Nike history.
When the shoe originally released in 1997, the heel featured a flaming “Air” logo. However, the stylized script bore a striking resemblance to the word “Allah” in Arabic. This sparked a massive backlash from the Muslim community, leading Nike to issue a recall of thousands of pairs.
Subsequent releases—and likely this 2026 version—replaced the controversial script with the standard “Nike Air” branding. For sneaker historians and collectors, this backstory makes the Bakin more than just a shoe; it’s a lesson in design and cultural awareness.
NIKE AIR BAKIN OG 2026 RELEASE INFO
While pricing has not yet been confirmed, previous retros hovered around the $150 mark. Given the current market, we expect the Nike Air Bakin OG (2026) to retail somewhere between $160 and $175.
Nike Air Bakin OG
Color: Varsity Red/White-Varsity Maize-Black
Style Code: IQ5365-600
Release Date: Fall 2026
Price: $170
